Three Routes Start
University degree

Nursing (RN)

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), RN via BCCNM

24 of 30 verified for BC; "start something" routes use national figures · How we verify
Trades go through SkilledTradesBC (4 levels, Youth Train in Trades lets you start Level 1 in high school). Numbers from WorkBC and Job Bank BC, BCIT, VCC and UBC.
Years to credential3
First real paycheque~3 years
Time in a classroom60%
Total cost$25,700
Typical debt after$15,000
Demand in BCHigh

The first ten years

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Mostly in schoolEarning

Earnings by year, roughly

What's in "net by year 10"
Earnings, years 1 to 10$636k3 years at $0 while in school, then $72,800 rising to $98,970 by year five, flat after
Program cost−$26ktuition and fees
Typical (medians)$610kthe number on the card
Low to high$511k to $708kpay 15% under or over the median, cost 15% more or 10% less

Not counted: income tax, rent, food, loan interest, inflation, and unemployment gaps. They apply to every route, so they change the size of each number more than the order. Pay is the British Columbia median before tax from the sources on this page.

The picture

What the day-to-day isScience courses plus clinical placements from second year; hospital, community or specialty practice after.
What actually stops peopleCompetitive admission (high 80s) and heavy clinical hours.
The downsideShift work, understaffing and burnout are serious in Ontario hospitals right now.
If you're the parentGuaranteed employment, a pension-track public job, and options to specialise or move into management. It is a demanding four years.
Local opportunities in British Columbia

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How to enter

What you need
  • Courses: Biology, Chemistry, Advanced Functions, English (U)
  • Average around 85+
Deadlines in BC
  • EducationPlannerBC: most deadlines January 15 to March 15; some programs rolling
  • StudentAid BC opens in spring

Next steps in British Columbia

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In British ColumbiaCost is an estimate for BCIT's 3-year BSN; UVic/Camosun run 4-year BSNs. RN has the most openings in BC (28,400 to 2035).
www.workbc.ca · www.bcit.ca

◐ Partly verified WorkBC NOC 31301 (Job Bank BC wages 2025, High Opportunity); BCIT BSN (3-year direct entry) and 2025-26 fee schedule

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